Nike Vomero 18: Return to Form

Vomero 18: Quick Facts

 Weight: 

• M: 325g US 10
• W: 262g US 8

Best For: 

• Daily training
• Long runs

Price: 

• $220 AUD

Stack Height & Drop: 

• 46mm heel / 36mm forefoot
• 10mm drop

Favourite Features: 

• ZoomX & ReactX midsole combination gives a cushioned stable ride
• Nike's waffle pattern outsole will go the distance

Release Date: 

• February 27th, 2025

What's the Vomero 18 all about?

The Vomero series has long been known as Nike's premium neutral daily trainer, offering a plush and reliable ride. While the Vomero 12 and 13 were highly praised, we found the line lost some of its identity with the 14, 15 and 16 models. However, with the success of the Vomero 17 and now, with the Vomero 18, it feels like a bit of return to form for the big swoosh.

The Vomero 18 is first of multiple models set to release under the Vomero silo. We've seen Nike roll this format out for the Pegasus, releasing the Pegasus 41, Pegasus Plus and Pegasus Premium. We are really liking Nikes' new direction, it just makes sense and proves their commitment to delivering quality daily trainers to runners, not just focusing their time on performance race product.

The Vomero 18 is a complete redesign top to bottom. Let’s break down what’s new.

There are three key changes in Vomero 18:

1) Double stacked midsole makes for the most cushioned Vomero yet

One of the biggest updates in the Vomero 18 is the increase in stack height. The shoe gains 6mm of cushioning, bringing it up to 46mm in the heel.

Even though Nike has labelled ZoomX on the midsole, it's not a full slab. Nike have utilised a dual layer foam midsole, pairing a ZoomX top layer with a ReactX bottom layer. This combination results in a balance of plush bounce from the ZoomX and the durability and stability of ReactX.

This added stack and midsole combination obviously contributes to a softer and more cushioned ride, but it's not as soft as you might think it would be. We actually like this, as it gives the Vomero 18 a resilient feel, making it comfortable for easy days, but also a great long run option.

We frequently see high stack shoes get paired with stiff forefoot rockers. While the added stack height in the Vomero 18 enhances the rocker compared to its predecessor, it still maintains a traditional feel with some forefoot flexibility, which is great to see—it keeps the Vomero 18 pretty honest!

2) Simple, super plush upper

The Vomero 18 continues its legacy of comfort with a super-plush engineered mesh upper. The thick padded tongue enhances step-in comfort, making it one of the most comfortable daily trainers in Nike’s lineup.

Fit-wise, we've found the Vomero 18 to be a slightly tapered with a narrow profile, which some runners may need to consider when selecting their size. The midfoot lockdown is excellent, thanks to a well-designed lacing system that echoes Nike’s Flywire technology from 2014. This ensures a snug fit and holds your foot securely on top of that high stack midsole.

Nike have thrown in a nice touch with a heel pull tab and they've kept a clean look to the Vomero 18, making it one of the best looking daily trainers on the market.

3) Nike waffle outsole, built to go long

Nike has retained its signature waffle-style outsole design on the Vomero 18, but with a few notable tweaks. 

The new segmented outsole pattern has been designed to enhance transitions and remove some of the 'slapiness' some runners found in the 17. In terms of outsole coverage, Nike have reduced the amount compared to what we saw on the Vomero 17, contributing to the shoe’s softer ride and to keep the overall weight down. Nike typically do outsoles well on their road shoes and despite the reduction in overall coverage, we've found traction has remained strong, holding up well across different surfaces during our testing.

Our final thoughts

The Vomero 18 is our favourite Nike daily trainer in years. It’s an honest shoe, executed exceptionally well with a blend of premium ZoomX and Nike’s more durable ReactX midsole. The balance of underfoot softness and stability, paired with a plush upper makes it a great daily trainer option. Our main negative with the Vomero 18 is the fit. It's not the most accommodating shoe for wide footers, running on the narrow tapered side. It's also relatively heavy, but definitely runs lighter than its listed weight.

At a price point of $220, the value you get from the Vomero 18 is superb—it undercuts a lot of competitors in this category while delivering top-tier comfort and durability. We think many runners could easily find a spot for the Vomero 18 in their rotation to soak up their easy runs on the road.

The Vomero 18 is a return to form for Nike and we're looking forward to them rounding out the Vomero family with the Plus and Premium models to follow.

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day